Curious about the divine attributes of God, His boundless love, infinite grace, and unchanging nature? Ever wondered how God's justice and mercy harmonize through Christ's atonement? Want to delve into the Christian doctrine of redemption, realizing how it has transformed lives over the centuries? Interested in the teachings of influential religious leaders like Anselm of Canterbury and how they shape the future of the Church? Begin this enlightening journey into understanding the incomprehensible mystery of God's essence.

The Knowledge of the Holy

What we think about God is the most important thing about us. Our thoughts shape our worship and influence the future of religion. High or low thoughts of God define pure or base worship. This concept extends to the individual and the Church collectively. Knowing what influential religious leaders think of God can help predict the Church's future.

Worshipping God properly requires a right conception of Him. Our mental image of God dictates our spirituality. Wrong ideas lead to idolatry, attributing to God what He is not. Idolatry starts in the mind and degrades religion. Throughout history, the Church rises or falls based on its understanding of God. Thus, the Church must purify and elevate its concept of God.

The book attempts to answer "What is God like?" by stating that God is incomprehensible and not exactly like anything or anyone. Our imagination uses familiar concepts to understand the unknown, but God's true nature remains beyond human comprehension. The Bible uses likeness and appearance to describe God's revelations without literal interpretation. Wrong images of God can lead to idolatry and reduce Him to human terms.

God's attributes are essential for understanding Him. Attributes are how God reveals Himself, and while we can know some attributes, God's full nature remains a mystery. The divine attributes are infinite, and we perceive them as mental concepts. The Church must purify and elevate its concept of God, which will be of greater value to future Christians than any scientific advancement.

The Trinity is a fundamental Christian doctrine, though incomprehensible. God is one, yet three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each Person is fully God, and they work together in perfect unity. This mystery can only be approached with reverence, recognizing the limits of human understanding. Faith and love allow believers to experience God's presence despite the mystery.

In short, understanding God correctly is crucial for worship and spiritual growth. Wrong ideas lead to idolatry and degrade religion. The Church must maintain a high concept of God, embracing the mystery of the Trinity with faith and reverence. This understanding will guide future generations in their spiritual journey.

Could Our Thoughts on God Shape the Future of Religion?

Let's explore the profound concept of God's self-existence, famously encapsulated in His declaration, "I AM THAT I AM." Unlike everything in creation, which has an origin and a cause, God stands alone as uncreated and self-sustaining. This idea, though challenging to grasp, separates God from all else. The child’s innocent question, "Where did God come from?" exemplifies our inherent quest for origins, a pursuit that must adjust when it comes to the divine.

Novatian's assertion that God has no origin highlights this distinction. We, as created beings, derive our existence from a source, but God exists outside this realm of causality. The philosopher and scientist, driven by the need to explain and categorize, may struggle with this concept, as it places God beyond human understanding and control. Accepting God's self-existence requires humility, as it forces us to acknowledge a being far beyond our reach.

Michael de Molinos offers a glimpse into the divine, noting that while our understanding of God may be vague, it surpasses any physical or sensible comprehension, leading us closer to true knowledge. The discomfort we feel when contemplating God's uncreated nature speaks to our limitations and our tendency to anthropomorphize the divine, reducing God to manageable terms. Yet, God remains elusive, existing everywhere and nowhere, independent of time, space, and matter.

Frederick W. Faber poetically captures this mystery, emphasizing God's solitary grandeur and unity. The tragedy, however, lies in the fact that many who engage with Christian doctrine and scriptures might never deeply ponder the being of God, preferring instead to focus on worldly concerns. This neglect leads to the secularization of faith and the erosion of spiritual vitality.

Understanding God's self-existence is far from an abstract theological exercise; it profoundly impacts our worldview. As creations of God, our problems and solutions are inherently theological. Knowing the nature of the God who operates the universe provides a foundation for a sound philosophy of life. Alexander Pope's advice to "Know then thyself" must be balanced with a deeper understanding of God, for only through this can we truly know ourselves.

The acknowledgment of God's self-existence is not a mere doctrine but a practical truth that influences our daily lives. Created in God's image, we derive our being from Him and remain dependent on Him. Without God, our existence would revert to nothingness. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of recognizing God's role in our lives, as our Creator and Sustainer.

The narrative of human sin and rebellion against God highlights the tension between our created dependence and our desire for independence. The essence of sin lies in the assertion of self against God's sovereignty, mirroring Lucifer's rebellion. Yet, the path to redemption involves dethroning self and embracing God's rightful place in our lives.

The Christian journey involves a continuous struggle against the self, seeking purity of heart and alignment with God's will. This transformation is possible only through the Cross, where self is slain, and Christ lives within us. The teachings of the prophets and apostles echo this truth, reminding us that true holiness comes from yielding to God's sovereignty.

In essence, the self-existence of God is a central tenet of Christian faith, challenging us to step beyond our limited understanding and embrace the profound mystery of the divine. It calls us to humility, dependence, and a deeper relationship with our Creator, recognizing that our existence and purpose are rooted in Him.

Exploring God's Self-Existence: Insights from Novatian, Michael de Molinos, and Frederick W. Faber

In a world constantly changing, the concept of God's immutability offers a sense of security and peace. Unlike the ever-shifting nature of humanity and the universe, God remains unchanged, perfectly holy, and constant in His essence. This attribute of God is crucial as it assures believers that God's character, promises, and love are steadfast and reliable.

The immutability of God provides a stark contrast to human nature, which is in a perpetual state of flux. Poets like Omar Khayyam have lamented the impermanence of life, finding a melancholic beauty in the inevitability of change and mortality. However, biblical writers approach human mutability with a healthier perspective, finding solace in the unchanging nature of God. They assert that while the world and humanity are subject to change, God's unchanging nature offers a foundation for eternal permanence and hope.

For believers, the ability to change is a gift from God, essential for redemption and transformation. This change enables individuals to repent, alter their moral conduct, and embrace a new life infused with God's eternal nature. The process of redemption is marked by God's unchanging nature, which uses change as a tool to achieve His divine purposes. This is evident in the transition from the old covenant to the new, where temporary rituals were replaced by the eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Understanding the immutability of God is not merely an academic exercise but a profound source of strength and peace for believers. In a world where human relationships and circumstances are unpredictable, knowing that God's attitude towards us remains constant is a powerful comfort. God's immutability assures us that His love, mercy, and promises are unwavering, providing a stable foundation for our faith and trust in Him. 

Overall, the immutability of God offers a profound reassurance to believers, emphasizing the constancy of His character and the reliability of His promises, despite the ever-changing nature of the world and humanity.

Can God's Unchanging Nature Offer Us Eternal Comfort Amid Life's Constant Changes?

Imagine a child lost on a mountain, shifting everyone's focus from nature's grandeur to the child's safety. Similarly, God's transcendence is not about physical distance but His supreme quality of being, far beyond human comprehension.

This transcendence is illustrated through biblical stories, where God's presence evokes awe and transformation. Moses hid his face at the burning bush, Isaiah felt undone by his vision of God, and Daniel was overwhelmed by his divine encounter. These experiences highlight a deep reverence and fear of God, contrasting with modern casual attitudes towards Him.

God's omnipresence means He is close to everything and everyone. He is not confined to any place; He is everywhere, sustaining all creation. This belief offers comfort and reassurance, knowing that God is always near, even in times of sorrow.

The faithfulness of God assures us that He remains true to His promises. His consistency and reliability are the foundation of our hope. Throughout history, God's faithfulness has been a source of strength and confidence for believers. Hymns and scriptures celebrate this attribute, emphasizing that God's actions align perfectly with His character.

Lastly, God's goodness is His inclination to be kind and benevolent. This attribute is essential for moral sanity and is evident in His creation and redemption of humanity. Despite our sins, God's goodness ensures that He welcomes us back with open arms, as portrayed in the story of the Prodigal Son.

Understanding these attributes helps us appreciate the depth of God's character, providing a solid foundation for our faith and a source of immense comfort and joy.

Divine Insights: Exploring God's Transcendence, Omnipresence, Faithfulness, and Goodness

God’s justice, as portrayed in the scriptures, is synonymous with righteousness. Abraham’s plea for Sodom is a testament to God's just nature: "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" The psalmists and prophets viewed God as a ruler of equity, and the Messiah was prophesied to judge righteously. The cry for divine justice was not personal vengeance but a desire for moral equity.

Throughout history, holy men like David and Daniel recognized their own unrighteousness, contrasting it with God's justice. The victorious saints of Revelation sing of divine justice, emphasizing God's true and righteous ways. Justice represents moral equity, while iniquity signifies the absence of it. Judgment applies this equity, favorably or unfavorably.

It’s a misconception that justice forces God to act in a certain way. Instead, justice is intrinsic to His nature. God’s actions are just because they align with His uncreated being. Anselm of Canterbury explored the balance of God's justice and mercy, concluding that God’s unity allows both attributes to coexist without conflict. Mercy and justice are harmonized through Christ's atonement, satisfying justice and enabling mercy.

The Christian doctrine of redemption asserts that justice was fulfilled through Christ’s sacrifice, allowing God to justly forgive sinners. This message has transformed lives, offering moral power and peace. The apostle John assures that if we confess our sins, God is just to forgive us, emphasizing the necessity of repentance and faith.

God's mercy is boundless and eternal, an inexhaustible energy within His nature. Both the Old and New Testaments declare His mercy, with the Old Testament having more references. Mercy and justice are not opposites but complement each other. Mercy is God's goodness confronting human suffering and guilt.

The Church often pleads for mercy with a tone of despair, as if it were unattainable. Yet, to receive mercy, one must believe in its boundlessness and availability through Jesus Christ. Faith in God's mercy allows us to enter the spiritual banquet hall, enjoying the feast prepared for us.

Grace is God's goodness directed towards human debt and demerit. It imputes merit where none existed and declares no debt where one was. Grace is a self-existent principle inherent in God's nature, appearing as a propensity to pity, spare, and welcome the undeserving. It is through Christ that grace flows to mankind.

Paul's teachings link grace with Christ’s redemptive work, emphasizing that grace comes through Jesus. The Old Testament also depicts grace, with figures like Noah and Moses finding favor with God. Grace existed before Christ’s birth and was always active through faith in Him.

Grace is infinite and eternal, boundless and inexhaustible. Our sin may seem overwhelming, but God's grace abounds much more. This grace enables us to lift our heads, return to God, and be welcomed back into His fellowship.

God is love, an essential attribute of His nature. Love manifests as good will, emotional identification, and pleasure in its object. It wills the good of all and casts out fear. God’s sovereignty ensures our everlasting welfare.

The love of God is personal and intimate, directed towards individuals rather than populations. It is a reality that elevates Christian experience, distinguishing it from all other religions. True Christian joy is the heart's response to God's song of love, a divine harmony that brings peace and fulfillment.

How Did Anselm of Canterbury Harmonize God's Justice and Mercy?

"Glory be to God on high. We praise, bless, and worship Thee for Thy great glory," is a powerful sentiment often echoed in awe of God's holiness. The biblical figure Isaiah experienced a profound realization of his personal depravity and the holiness of God, crying out, "Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips." Such encounters with God's holiness are emotionally intense and transformative.

The holiness of God is unique, unapproachable, and incomprehensible. It is not simply a higher degree of purity we can imagine; it stands apart entirely. Humans, in their natural state, cannot grasp this holiness without the Spirit's illumination. Rudolf Otto described a sense of the "numinous," an awareness of a mysterious, awe-inspiring presence that transcends human understanding and evokes a sense of dread and wonder. This instinct for the mysterious is fundamental to all religion.

God's holiness is absolute and integral to His nature. It is the standard by which all is measured. His wrath against sin is an extension of His holiness, necessary to preserve the moral health of His creation. Sin's presence highlights the need for holiness, as evil ultimately leads to moral sickness and death.

Believers are called to be holy, reflecting God's holiness, not by achieving it themselves but through the sanctification made available by Christ. We must "hide our unholiness in the wounds of Christ" and strive for holiness through faith, obedience, and a growing relationship with the Spirit.

God's sovereignty means He rules with absolute knowledge, power, and freedom. Nothing can hinder or compel Him. This sovereignty extends to every detail of creation and human history. Despite the existence of evil, pain, and death, God's sovereignty ensures His ultimate purpose will be fulfilled.

The theological debate around God's sovereignty and human free will is significant. God decreed that humans have the freedom to choose, and this freedom operates within His sovereign will. An analogy likens this to passengers on a ship destined for a specific port; they are free to move about, but the ship's course is unchangeable.

God's sovereignty means He moves towards His eternal purposes with precision. Within His permissive will, a moral conflict rages, and humans must choose sides. Those who align with God are assured victory, while those who oppose Him face inevitable defeat.

The Church's need today is to be brought back to glorifying God as in days of old. This renewal begins with individuals. To regain lost power, the Church must reacquaint itself with God—not the utilitarian God of contemporary popularity but the majestic, almighty Creator.

Knowing God requires forsaking sin, committing wholly to Christ, and living by the Spirit. It involves rejecting the fallen world's values and embracing simplicity and meditation on God's majesty. This profound knowledge translates into greater service to others, reflecting God's giving nature.

As individuals deepen their relationship with God, the Church as a whole benefits. Public worship should focus on God's majesty, and believers must represent Christ faithfully in the world. This divine knowledge is not for selfish enjoyment but to be shared, leading to deeds of mercy and greater service to humanity.

Isaiah's Awe: Unveiling God's Holiness Through His Eyes

Understanding God is pivotal in shaping our worship and future religious thought. How we perceive God influences both individual spirituality and the collective direction of the Church. High or low thoughts of God can lead to pure or idolatrous worship, affecting the Church's rise or fall throughout history.

The book explores the nature of God, emphasizing His incomprehensibility. While we use familiar concepts to imagine God, His true essence remains beyond our grasp. Misconceptions can lead to idolatry, reducing God to human terms. God's attributes, like the Trinity, are fundamental yet mysterious, requiring reverence and faith to approach.

God's self-existence, as seen in His declaration "I AM THAT I AM," sets Him apart as uncreated and self-sustaining. This challenges our understanding and requires humility. Philosophers and scientists may struggle with this, but accepting it acknowledges a being far beyond human reach. Historical figures like Novatian and Michael de Molinos highlight this distinct nature of God.

The immutability of God offers security in a changing world. Unlike human nature, God remains constant, providing a foundation for faith. Biblical writers and poets emphasize this contrast, finding solace in God's unchanging nature. This attribute assures believers of God's steadfast love, mercy, and promises.

God's transcendence and omnipresence mean He is far beyond human comprehension yet close to everything and everyone. This duality evokes awe and comfort, as seen in biblical stories of divine encounters. God's faithfulness and goodness further underscore His reliability and benevolence, essential for moral sanity and spiritual growth.

Justice and mercy in God coexist harmoniously, as seen in Christ's atonement. God's actions align with His nature, ensuring moral equity. Redemption through Christ fulfills divine justice and extends mercy, offering peace and transformation to believers.

Grace, flowing through Christ, imputes merit and forgives debt, emphasizing God's goodness towards humanity. This infinite and eternal attribute enables repentance and a new life in God. God's love, personal and intimate, elevates Christian experience and distinguishes it from other religions.

Holiness is a unique and absolute attribute of God, unapproachable without the Spirit's illumination. Encounters with God's holiness evoke a sense of awe and transformation, challenging believers to reflect His holiness through sanctification in Christ.

God's sovereignty means He rules with absolute knowledge, power, and freedom. This sovereignty encompasses all creation and history, ensuring His ultimate purpose is fulfilled despite the existence of evil. Theological debates on sovereignty and free will highlight the delicate balance within God's plan.

The Church's renewal begins with individuals deepening their relationship with God. Public worship should focus on God's majesty, and believers must represent Christ in the world. This profound knowledge leads to greater service and deeds of mercy, reflecting God's giving nature.

In essence, understanding God's attributes—His self-existence, immutability, transcendence, justice, mercy, grace, love, holiness, and sovereignty—provides a foundation for a sound philosophy of life. It calls us to humility, dependence, and a deeper relationship with our Creator, influencing our daily lives and spiritual journey.

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